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Transfer Talk: Messi move imminent as Lukaku's Blues reunion edges closer
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Matthew Hill
LiveScore
Lionel Messi was emotional at his final Barcelona press conference
Lionel Messi was emotional at his final Barcelona press conference

Lionel Messi will undergo a medical later today ahead of his switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi, 34, struggled to keep his emotions in check yesterday as he discussed his impending departure from the club he has spent his entire playing career with.

Despite becoming a free agent on July 1, the Argentine was widely expected to sign an extension at the Camp Nou after reportedly agreeing to a 50% pay cut.

But the financial crisis the LaLiga giants find themselves in means they are unable to offer any kind of contract to their talisman — and French giants PSG are set to take advantage.

Les Parisiens had almost finalised personal terms with Messi yesterday, according to French outlet l’Equipe.

He will now undergo medical checks in Paris ahead of signing what Sky Sports suggest is a two-year deal worth an estimated £25million a year after tax.

Messi will be reunited with former Barca team-mate and close friend Neymar in the French capital, where he will look to help his new club to an elusive first Champions League crown.

Bur Marca claim Barca will make one final attempt to block the move, citing PSG's chequered financial past is no better than their own.

The report suggests the Catalans have lodged a complaint to the European Commission over the French club’s approach — but it is unlikely to have any impact.

Romelu feeling Blue

Inter striker Romelu Lukaku is poised to return to former club Chelsea
Inter striker Romelu Lukaku is poised to return to former club Chelsea

Chelsea will offer Romelu Lukaku a five-year deal worth £200k a week as the Inter Milan striker nears a dramatic Stamford Bridge return.

Seven years after leaving the Blues, the 28-year-old Belgian looks to be heading back to West London now that the two clubs have agreed a £97.5m fee, according to the Daily Mail.

Paperwork is being finalised ahead of a medical and the European champions hope to have their new man registered in time for Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace. 

Chelsea set their sights on Lukaku after missing out on top target Erling Haaland, who is set to stay at Borussia Dortmund for at least one more season.

The Blues have been in the market for a leading forward all summer and now appear to have landed their man as Thomas Tuchel eyes a tilt at the title. 

And the arrival of Lukaku, who has 113 goals in his previous 252 appearances in England’s top flight, is likely to mark the final nail in the coffin for Tammy Abraham at the club.

Having fallen out of favour under Tuchel last term, 23-year-old Abraham was already being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

His departure now appears inevitable and Arsenal, West Ham, Southampton and Atalanta are all keen, according to The Sun.

In other news

Manchester United star Anthony Martial could be on the move
Manchester United star Anthony Martial could be on the move

Lukaku’s Chelsea switch will leave Inter hunting a replacement to lead their line — and Manchester United star Anthony Martial is top of their shopping list. 

The Sun suggest the Red Devils may be willing to do business, providing they can recoup the bulk of the £50m they shelled out for the Frenchman back in 2015.

Another forward who could still be on the move is Tottenham captain Harry Kane, with the Daily Mail reporting the England star will hold crunch talks with his boyhood club this week.

Kane, 28, has been heavily linked with Premier League champions Manchester City but new Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo will look to convince his talisman to remain in North London.

One man who looks increasingly unlikely to end up at Tottenham is Lautaro Martinez

Although Spurs were said to have had a £60m offer accepted for the 23-year-old — also a target for North London rivals Arsenal  reluctance on the Argentine’s behalf appears to have left any deal dead in the water.

According to The Mirror, the striker would prefer to remain in Italy. 

Tags

BarcelonaParis Saint-GermainChelseaInterLionel MessiRomelu LukakuManchester UnitedTottenham HotspurHarry KaneArsenal
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